Tooth Extraction in Harriman, NY

At Harriman Family Dental, we work very hard to preserve your natural teeth, but there are some situations in which a tooth extraction is the best course of action. A tooth extraction may mean the end for one or more teeth, but it can make your smile healthier and more beautiful in the long run. Modern tooth extraction is performed as gently and carefully as possible, so there’s a minimum of discomfort and little risk of complications.

If you know or suspect you may need a tooth extraction in Harriman or surrounding areas of Orange County, please call

Why You Might (or Might Not) Need an Extraction

Tooth extraction is uncommon in modern dentistry because we have so many other options to address problems that in the past used to require extraction. However, it does still happen sometimes because of:

Impacted or threatening wisdom teeth

Orthodontic needs

Traumatic damage to tooth

Smile reconstruction

Tooth decay and failed fillings

Tooth infection

Gum disease

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common medical procedures in the US. Wisdom teeth used to be functional, but modern development, diet, and dentistry mean that these “backup” teeth are as often harmful as they are helpful.

Whenever possible, we like to avoid extraction of teeth for orthodontic purposes. Thankfully, early intervention with functional orthodontics often allows us to encourage development of your child’s jaw. This means that orthodontic extraction is rarely necessary.

Traumatic damage to a tooth can usually be restored using a dental crown. This should provide enough support for the tooth to remain functional. But if the trauma has damaged the tooth beyond repair, we might recommend extraction.

With smile reconstruction, we usually want to preserve all your natural teeth, but there are some situations where extraction of a tooth can improve your treatment plan.

Tooth decay can also damage a tooth, as much or more than trauma. Other times, it’s restorative work with fillings, especially metal amalgam fillings, that have contributed to weakening the tooth.

If tooth decay or trauma compromises the inner chamber of the tooth, it can become infected. Usually, root canal therapy will save an infected tooth, but not always.

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. Often, treating gum disease will save your tooth. However, sometimes it is best to extract a tooth that is threatened.

Always Get a Second Opinion

Tooth extraction is a permanent procedure that you may have cause to regret later. With modern technology, we can save many teeth that would have been extracted in the past.

That’s why it’s recommended that you always get a second opinion if your dentist says you need a tooth extracted. We offer second opinions about tooth extraction and other dental procedures.

After an Extraction

After a tooth has been extracted, it’s important to replace the missing tooth. This will preserve spacing in the mouth, allow you to continue eating a full, balanced diet, and protect your other teeth from damage, decay, and loss.

Dentures are the most basic tooth replacement option. They are removable replacements that aren’t fully functional for eating, but they can keep your teeth from drifting. They also give you the appearance of a full smile.

Dental bridges are tooth replacements that rely on your natural teeth for support. Dental bridges are fully functional tooth replacements, but they are only recommended in limited situations. In other situations, they can lead to the failure of otherwise healthy teeth.

Dental implants replace the tooth root. This allows for a fully functional tooth replacement that supports itself. They are also the most durable tooth replacement option.

Would you like to talk to a dentist in Harriman about tooth extraction? Please call (845) 783-6466 today for an appointment.